Welsh Language

language · celtic · wales · history

A living Celtic tongue. Welsh is one of the oldest languages in Europe and belongs to the Celtic language family, which includes Irish and Scottish Gaelic. About 18% of people in Wales speak Welsh as their native language today.

Wales' official language. Welsh has been spoken in Wales for over 1,500 years and is one of the country's official languages alongside English. It has special status in Welsh schools, government, and cultural life.

Spoken beyond Wales. While most Welsh speakers live in Wales, the language is also spoken by communities in England and even in a Welsh colony called Y Wladfa located in Argentina, South America.

Many historical names. In English, Welsh was historically called British, Cambrian, Cambric, and Cymric, but these old names are rarely used today. The word Cymric comes from 'Cymru,' which means Wales in the Welsh language.

Unique Welsh sounds. Welsh has letter combinations and sounds that are quite different from English, making it a fascinating language to learn with words like 'Llanfairpwllgwyngyll' (a town name in Wales).